Infant mortality in Santa Fe, Argentina (2007-2011). A contribution to monitoring children’s rights

Abstract

Infant mortality in Santa Fe had a similar pattern as Argentina’s, accompanying the decline that was registered in the country, but always with values below the national indicator. Nevertheless, the high proportion of deaths whose causes are considered avoidable deserved particular attention, with historical values of over 50%. The establishment of international targets known as Millennium Development Goals, which struggled for the protection of the child rights, counted with national ratification while the province committed to these goals, setting them as social and sanitary strategic policy. The study depicted the profile of infant mortality in the province of Santa Fe during the quinquennium 2007-2011. A descriptive and cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted. The population included deaths in children under one year of age during the considered period. Death distribution was analyzed, by age at death, birth weight and place of occurrence, causes of death, and reducibility criteria. 2,904 deaths of children occurred, a rate of 10.9%, which maintained the previous descending trend. Neonatal deaths doubled the post-neonatal death rate, and were concentrated on the first week of life. The most frequent causes are associated with perinatal problems. Children under 1,000 grams or extreme immaturity registered the highest death risk. 60% of the events could have been avoided. The persistence of deaths considered avoidable should encourage the adoption of more equitable health and social interventions and child protection strategies.